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H.B. 259

             1     

ADOPTION AMENDMENTS

             2     
2005 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Sponsor: Ann W. Hardy

             5     
             6      LONG TITLE
             7      General Description:
             8          This bill makes changes to the procedures, rights, and requirements of the chapter of the
             9      Judicial Code relating to adoption.
             10      Highlighted Provisions:
             11          This bill:
             12          .    defines terms;
             13          .    describes the rights and duties of a parent and a guardian with respect to a minor for
             14      whom a guardian is appointed;
             15          .    provides that the payment of certain adoption related expenses does not constitute
             16      the crime of sale of a child;
             17          .    provides that before a parent consents to the adoption of the parent's child or
             18      relinquishes the parent's child to a child-placing agency, the parent has the right to
             19      participate in counseling at the expense of the adoptive parents or the child-placing
             20      agency;
             21          .    establishes procedures and requirements for preplacement and postplacement
             22      adoptive evaluations;
             23          .    describes who may conduct preplacement and postplacement adoptive evaluations;
             24          .    describes the persons who are entitled to notice of adoption proceedings;
             25          .    describes the persons from whom consent for adoption or relinquishment of a child
             26      for adoption is required;
             27          .    provides that a person's relinquishment of a child for adoption may not be



             28      considered as evidence that custody of the child should not be awarded to the person;
             29          .    provides that a minor has the power to relinquish the minor's child for adoption; and
             30          .    makes technical changes.
             31      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             32          None
             33      Other Special Clauses:
             34          None
             35      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             36      AMENDS:
             37          75-5-209, as last amended by Chapter 30, Laws of Utah 1992
             38          76-7-203, as last amended by Chapter 245, Laws of Utah 1990
             39          78-30-1.1, as last amended by Chapter 20, Laws of Utah 1995
             40          78-30-3.5, as last amended by Chapters 121 and 122, Laws of Utah 2004
             41          78-30-4.12, as enacted by Chapter 168, Laws of Utah 1995
             42          78-30-4.13, as last amended by Chapter 122, Laws of Utah 2004
             43          78-30-4.14, as last amended by Chapter 122, Laws of Utah 2004
             44          78-30-4.16, as last amended by Chapter 122, Laws of Utah 2004
             45          78-30-4.21, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 168, Laws of Utah 1995
             46      ENACTS:
             47          78-30-3.3, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             48      REPEALS:
             49          78-30-4.11, as enacted by Chapter 168, Laws of Utah 1995
             50     
             51      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             52          Section 1. Section 75-5-209 is amended to read:
             53           75-5-209. Powers and duties of guardian of minor -- Residual parental rights and
             54      duties -- Adoption of a ward.
             55          [A] (1) For purposes of this section, "residual parental rights and duties" is as defined
             56      in Section 78-3a-103 .
             57          (2) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(a), a guardian of a minor has the powers and
             58      responsibilities of a parent who has not been deprived of custody of [his] the parent's


             59      unemancipated minor [and unemancipated child, except that a guardian is not legally obligated
             60      to provide from his own funds for the ward and is not liable to third persons by reason of the
             61      parental relationship for acts of the ward. In particular, and without qualifying the foregoing, a
             62      guardian has the following powers and duties:], including the powers and responsibilities
             63      described in Subsection (3).
             64          [(1) He] (3) A guardian of a minor:
             65          (a) must take reasonable care of [his ward's] the personal effects [and] of the guardian's
             66      ward;
             67          (b) must commence protective proceedings if necessary to protect other property of the
             68      guardian's ward[.];
             69          [(2) He] (c) subject to Subsection (4)(b), may receive money payable for the support of
             70      the ward to the ward's parent, guardian, or custodian under the terms of [any] a:
             71          (i) statutory benefit or insurance system[, or any];
             72          (ii) private contract[,];
             73          (iii) devise[,];
             74          (iv) trust[,];
             75          (v) conservatorship; or
             76          (vi) custodianship[. He also];
             77          (d) subject to Subsection (4)(b), may receive money or property of the ward paid or
             78      delivered by virtue of Section 75-5-102 [. Any sums so received shall be applied to the ward's
             79      current needs for support, care and education. He];
             80          (e) except as provided in Subsection (4)(c), must exercise due care to conserve any
             81      excess money or property described in Subsection (3)(d) for the ward's future needs [unless a
             82      conservator has been appointed for the estate of the ward, in which case the excess shall be
             83      paid over at least annually to the conservator. Sums so received by the guardian are not to be
             84      used for compensation for his services except as approved by order of court or as determined
             85      by a duly appointed conservator other than the guardian. Unless];
             86          (f) unless otherwise provided by statute, [a guardian] may institute proceedings to
             87      compel the performance by any person of a duty to:
             88          (i) support the ward; or [to]
             89          (ii) pay sums for the welfare of the ward[.];


             90          [(3) The guardian]
             91          (g) is empowered to:
             92          (i) facilitate the ward's education, social, or other activities; and [to]
             93          (ii) subject to Subsection (4)(d), authorize medical or other professional care,
             94      treatment, or advice[. A guardian is not liable by reason of this consent for injury to the ward
             95      resulting from the negligence or acts of third persons unless it would have been illegal for a
             96      parent to have consented. A guardian];
             97          (h) may consent to the:
             98          (i) marriage of the guardian's ward, if specifically authorized by a court to give this
             99      consent; or
             100          (ii) adoption of [his] the guardian's ward[.] if the:
             101          (A) guardian of the ward is specifically authorized by a court to give this consent; and
             102          (B) parental rights of the ward's parents have been terminated; and
             103          [(4) A guardian] (i) must report the condition of [his ward] the minor and of [the
             104      ward's] the minor's estate [which] that has been subject to [his] the guardian's possession or
             105      control[,]:
             106          (i) as ordered by court on petition of any person interested in the minor's welfare; or
             107          (ii) as required by court rule.
             108          (4) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (2), a guardian of a minor is not:
             109          (i) legally obligated to provide from the guardian's own funds for the ward; and
             110          (ii) liable to third persons by reason of the guardian's relationship for acts of the ward.
             111          (b) Sums received under Subsection (3)(c) or (d):
             112          (i) may not be used for compensation for the services of a guardian, except as:
             113          (A) approved by court order; or
             114          (B) determined by a duly appointed conservator other than the guardian; and
             115          (ii) shall be applied to the ward's current needs for support, care, and education.
             116          (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(e), if a conservator is appointed for the estate of the
             117      ward, the excess shall be paid over at least annually to the conservator.
             118          (d) A guardian of a minor is not, by reason of giving the authorization described in
             119      Subsection (3)(g)(ii), liable for injury to the minor resulting from the negligence or acts of third
             120      persons, unless it would have been illegal for a parent to have given the authorization.


             121          (5) A parent of a minor for whom a guardian is appointed retains residual parental
             122      rights and duties.
             123          (6) If a parent of a minor for whom a guardian is appointed consents to the adoption of
             124      the minor, the guardian is entitled to:
             125          (a) receive notice of the adoption proceeding pursuant to Section 78-30-4.13 ;
             126          (b) intervene in the adoption; and
             127          (c) present evidence to the court relevant to the best interest of the child pursuant to
             128      Subsection 78-30-4.13 (11).
             129          (7) If a minor for whom a guardian is appointed is adopted subsequent to the
             130      appointment, the guardianship shall terminate when the adoption is finalized.
             131          Section 2. Section 76-7-203 is amended to read:
             132           76-7-203. Sale of child -- Felony -- Payment of adoption related expenses.
             133          [Any person]
             134          (1) For purposes of this section:
             135          (a) "adoption related expenses" means expenses that:
             136          (i) are reasonably related to the adoption of a child;
             137          (ii) are incurred for a reasonable amount; and
             138          (iii) may include expenses:
             139          (A) of the mother or father of the child being adopted, including:
             140          (I) legal expenses;
             141          (II) maternity expenses;
             142          (III) medical expenses;
             143          (IV) hospital expenses;
             144          (V) counseling expenses;
             145          (VI) temporary living expenses during the pregnancy or confinement of the mother; or
             146          (VII) expenses for travel between the mother's or father's home and the location where
             147      the child will be born or placed for adoption; or
             148          (B) of a directly affected person for:
             149          (I) travel between the directly affected person's home and the location where the child
             150      will be born or placed for adoption; or
             151          (II) temporary living expenses during the pregnancy or confinement of the mother;


             152          (b) "directly affected person" means a person who is:
             153          (i) a parent or guardian of a minor when the minor is the mother or father of the child
             154      being adopted; or
             155          (ii) a dependant of:
             156          (A) the mother or father of the child being adopted; or
             157          (B) the parent or guardian described in Subsection (1)(b)(i).
             158          (2) Except as provided in Subsection (3), a person is guilty of a third degree felony if
             159      the person, while having custody, care, control, or possession of [any] a child, [who] sells, or
             160      disposes of, or attempts to sell or dispose of, [any] the child for and in consideration of the
             161      payment of money or other thing of value [is guilty of a felony of the third degree. However,
             162      this section does not prohibit any person, agency, or corporation from paying the actual and
             163      reasonable legal expenses, maternity expenses, related medical or hospital, and necessary living
             164      expenses of the mother preceding and during confinement].
             165          (3) A person does not violate this section by paying adoption related expenses:
             166          (a) as an act of charity[, so long as]; and
             167          (b) if the payment is not made for the purpose of inducing the mother, parent, or legal
             168      guardian of a child to:
             169          (i) place the child for adoption[,];
             170          (ii) consent to an adoption[,]; or
             171          (iii) cooperate in the completion of an adoption.
             172          Section 3. Section 78-30-1.1 is amended to read:
             173           78-30-1.1. Definitions.
             174          As used in this chapter [the term "licensed child placing]:
             175          (1) "Adoption service provider" means a:
             176          (a) child-placing agency; or
             177          (b) licensed counselor who has at least one year of experience providing professional
             178      social work services to:
             179          (i) adoptive parents; or
             180          (ii) birth parents.
             181          (2) "Child-placing agency" means an agency licensed to place children for adoption
             182      under Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Part 6, Child and Family Services.


             183          (3) "Licensed counselor" means a person who is licensed by the state, or another state,
             184      district, or territory of the United States as a:
             185          (a) certified social worker;
             186          (b) clinical social worker;
             187          (c) psychologist;
             188          (d) marriage and family therapist;
             189          (e) professional counselor; or
             190          (f) an equivalent licensed professional of another state, district, or territory of the
             191      United States.
             192          (4) "Parent," for purposes of Section 78-30-3.3 , means any person described in
             193      Subsections 78-30-4.14 (1)(b) through (f) from whom consent for adoption or relinquishment
             194      for adoption is required under Section 78-30-4.14 .
             195          (5) "Unmarried biological father" means a person who:
             196          (a) is the biological father of a child; and
             197          (b) was not married to the biological mother of the child described in Subsection (5)(a)
             198      at the time of the child's:
             199          (i) conception; or
             200          (ii) birth.
             201          Section 4. Section 78-30-3.3 is enacted to read:
             202          78-30-3.3. Counseling for parents.
             203          (1) Subject to Subsection (2)(a), before relinquishing a child to a child-placing agency,
             204      or consenting to the adoption of a child, a parent of the child has the right to participate in
             205      counseling:
             206          (a) by a licensed counselor or an adoption service provider selected by the parent
             207      participating in the counseling;
             208          (b) for up to three sessions of at least 50 minutes per session; and
             209          (c) subject to Subsection (2)(b), at the expense of the:
             210          (i) child-placing agency; or
             211          (ii) prospective adoptive parents.
             212          (2) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), a parent who has the right to participate in the
             213      counseling described in this section may waive that right.


             214          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(c), the total amount required to be paid by a
             215      child-placing agency or the prospective adoptive parents for the counseling described in
             216      Subsection (1) may not exceed $250.
             217          (3) Before a parent relinquishes a child to a child-placing agency, or consents to the
             218      adoption of a child, the parent shall be informed of the right described in Subsection (1) by the:
             219          (a) child-placing agency;
             220          (b) prospective adoptive parents; or
             221          (c) representative of a person described in Subsection (3)(a) or (b).
             222          (4) (a) Subject to Subsections (4)(b) and (c), before the day on which a final decree of
             223      adoption is entered, a statement shall be filed with the court that:
             224          (i) is signed by each parent who:
             225          (A) relinquishes the parent's parental rights; or
             226          (B) consents to the adoption; and
             227          (ii) states that, before the parent took the action described in Subsection (4)(a)(i)(A) or
             228      (B), the parent was advised of the parent's right to participate in the counseling described in this
             229      section at the expense of the:
             230          (A) child-placing agency; or
             231          (B) prospective adoptive parents.
             232          (b) The statement described in Subsection (4)(a) may be included in the document that:
             233          (i) relinquishes the parent's parental rights; or
             234          (ii) consents to the adoption.
             235          (c) Failure by a person to give the notice described in Subsection (3), or pay for the
             236      counseling described in this section:
             237          (i) shall not constitute grounds for invalidating a:
             238          (A) relinquishment of parental rights; or
             239          (B) consent to adoption; and
             240          (ii) shall give rise to a cause of action for the recovery of damages suffered, if any, by
             241      the parent or guardian who took the action described in Subsection (4)(c)(i)(A) or (B) against
             242      the person required to:
             243          (A) give the notice described in Subsection (3); or
             244          (B) pay for the counseling described in this section.


             245          Section 5. Section 78-30-3.5 is amended to read:
             246           78-30-3.5. Preplacement and postplacement adoptive evaluations -- Exceptions.
             247          (1) (a) Except as [otherwise provided in this section] provided in Subsection (1)(b),
             248      (3)(a), (3)(b), or (8), a child may not be placed in an adoptive home until an adoption service
             249      provider or a person authorized to conduct a preplacement adoption evaluation by the state,
             250      district, or territory of the United States where a prospective adoptive parent resides:
             251          (i) conducts a preplacement adoptive evaluation[, assessing the prospective adoptive
             252      parent and the prospective adoptive home, has been conducted] in accordance with the
             253      requirements of this section[.]; and
             254          (ii) determines, based on the evaluation described in Subsection (1)(a)(i), that the
             255      prospective adoptive parents and the prospective adoptive home are a suitable placement for
             256      the child.
             257          (b) [The] Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a), the court may, at any time, authorize
             258      temporary placement of a child in a potential adoptive home pending completion of a
             259      preplacement adoptive evaluation described in this section.
             260          [(c) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply if a birth parent has legal custody of the child to
             261      be adopted and the prospective adoptive parent is related to that child as a step-parent, sibling
             262      by half or whole blood or by adoption, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or first cousin, unless the
             263      evaluation is otherwise requested by the court. The]
             264          (c) If a preplacement adoptive evaluation is not required under this section, a
             265      prospective adoptive parent [described in this Subsection (1)(c) shall, however,] shall:
             266          (i) obtain the information described in [Subsections (2)(a) and (b), and file that
             267      documentation] Subsection (2); and
             268          (ii) file documents containing the information described in Subsection (1)(c)(i) with the
             269      court prior to finalization of the adoption.
             270          (d) [The required] A preplacement adoptive evaluation required by this Subsection (1)
             271      must be completed or updated:
             272          (i) within the 12-month period immediately preceding the placement of a child with the
             273      prospective adoptive parent[. If the prospective adoptive parent has previously received
             274      custody of a child for the purpose of adoption, the preplacement adoptive evaluation must be
             275      completed or updated within the 12-month period immediately preceding the placement of a


             276      child with the prospective adoptive parent and after the placement of the previous child]; and
             277          (ii) after the day on which a child was previously placed with the prospective adoptive
             278      parent for the purpose of adoption.
             279          (2) [The] A preplacement adoptive evaluation shall include:
             280          (a) criminal history record information regarding each prospective adoptive parent and
             281      any other adult living in the prospective home, prepared no earlier than 18 months immediately
             282      preceding placement of the child by:
             283          (i) the Criminal Investigations and Technical Services Division of the Department of
             284      Public Safety, in accordance with Section 53-10-108 [, no earlier than 18 months immediately
             285      preceding placement of the child;]; or
             286          (ii) an agency of the state, district, or territory of the United States where a prospective
             287      adoptive parent resides that has authority to conduct a criminal history check equivalent to the
             288      criminal history check described in Subsection (2)(a)(i);
             289          (b) a report prepared by the Department of Human Services or the equivalent agency in
             290      the state, district, or territory of the United States where a prospective adoptive parent resides:
             291          (i) containing all information regarding reports and investigation of child abuse,
             292      neglect, and dependency, with respect to each:
             293          (A) prospective adoptive parent; and [any other]
             294          (B) adult living in the prospective home[,]; and
             295          (ii) obtained:
             296          (A) no earlier than 18 months immediately preceding placement of the child[,]; and
             297          (B) pursuant to waivers executed by [those parties;] the persons described in
             298      Subsections (2)(b)(i)(A) and (B).
             299          [(c) an evaluation conducted by an expert in family relations approved by the court or a
             300      certified social worker, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, psychologist,
             301      professional counselor, or other court-determined expert in family relations, who is licensed to
             302      practice under the laws of this state or under the laws of the state where the prospective
             303      adoptive parent or other person living in the prospective adoptive home resides. The
             304      evaluation shall be in a form approved by the Department of Human Services. Neither the
             305      Department of Human Services nor any of its divisions may proscribe who qualifies as an
             306      expert in family relations or who may conduct evaluations pursuant to this Subsection (2); and]


             307          [(d)] (3) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a), if the child to be adopted is [a child
             308      who is] in the custody of any public child welfare agency, and is a child with special needs as
             309      defined in Subsection 62A-4a-902 (2), the preplacement adoptive evaluation must be conducted
             310      by:
             311          (i) the Department of Human Services [or];
             312          (ii) a [licensed] child-placing agency [which] that has [entered into a contract]
             313      contracted with the department to conduct [the] preplacement adoptive evaluations for children
             314      with special needs[. Any fee assessed by the evaluating agency is the responsibility of the
             315      adopting parent or parents.]; or
             316          (iii) if a prospective adoptive parent resides outside of the state, the public child
             317      welfare agency in the state, district, or territory of the United States where the prospective
             318      adoptive parent resides.
             319          [(3) The person or agency conducting the]
             320          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a), the court may appoint any person that the court
             321      determines is qualified to conduct a preplacement adoptive evaluation if:
             322          (i) the child to be adopted is not a child described in Subsection (3)(a); and
             323          (ii) an adoptive parent establishes that an adoption service provider is not reasonably
             324      available to conduct a preplacement adoptive evaluation.
             325          (c) The adoptive parent or parents shall be responsible to pay any fee assessed for a
             326      preplacement adoptive evaluation conducted pursuant to this section.
             327          (d) A person that conducts a preplacement adoptive evaluation under this section shall,
             328      in connection with the evaluation, provide the prospective adoptive parent or parents with
             329      literature that:
             330          (i) is approved by the Division of Child and Family Services relating to adoption[,];
             331      and [including]
             332          (ii) includes information relating to:
             333          (A) the adoption process[,];
             334          (B) developmental issues that may require early intervention[,]; and
             335          (C) community resources that are available to the adoptive parent or parents.
             336          (4) A copy of the preplacement adoptive evaluation shall be filed with the court.
             337          (5) (a) [Except as provided in Subsections (5)(b) and (c)] Subject to Subsections (5)(b)


             338      and (8), a postplacement adoption evaluation shall:
             339          (i) except as provided in Subsection (9), be conducted [and] by:
             340          (A) an adoption service provider; or
             341          (B) a person authorized to conduct a postplacement adoption evaluation by the state,
             342      district, or territory of the United States where a prospective adoptive parent resides;
             343          (ii) be submitted to the court prior to the final hearing in an adoption proceeding[. The
             344      postplacement evaluation shall]; and
             345          (iii) include:
             346          [(i)] (A) verification of the allegations of fact contained in the petition for adoption;
             347          [(ii)] (B) an evaluation of the progress of the child's placement in the adoptive home;
             348      and
             349          [(iii)] (C) a recommendation regarding whether the adoption is in the best interest of
             350      the child.
             351          [(b) The exemptions from and requirements for evaluations, described in Subsections
             352      (1)(c), (2)(c), and (3), also apply to postplacement adoptive evaluations.]
             353          [(c) Upon]
             354          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (5)(a), upon the request of the petitioner, the court may
             355      waive the postplacement adoptive evaluation, unless [it]:
             356          (i) the court determines that it is in the best interest of the child to require the
             357      postplacement adoptive evaluation[. Except where]; or
             358          (ii) the child to be adopted [and the prospective parent are related as set forth in
             359      Subsection (1)(c), the court may waive the postplacement adoptive evaluation for a child]:
             360          (A) is not related to the prospective parent in a manner described in Subsection
             361      (8)(a)(ii); and
             362          (B) is a child with special needs as defined in Section 62A-4a-902 .
             363          (6) (a) [If the person or agency conducting] Subject to Subsection (6)(b), if the person
             364      who conducts the evaluation disapproves the adoptive placement, either in the preplacement or
             365      postplacement adoptive evaluation, the court may dismiss the petition. [However,]
             366          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (6)(a), upon request of a prospective adoptive parent,
             367      the court shall:
             368          (i) order that an additional preplacement or postplacement adoptive evaluation be


             369      conducted[,]; and
             370          (ii) hold a hearing on the suitability of the adoption, including testimony of interested
             371      parties.
             372          (7) Prior to finalization of a petition for adoption the court shall review and consider
             373      the information and recommendations contained in the preplacement and postplacement
             374      adoptive studies required by this section.
             375          (8) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(b), Subsections (1)(a) and (5)(a) do not
             376      apply if:
             377          (i) a birth parent has legal custody of the child to be adopted; and
             378          (ii) the prospective adoptive parent is related to the child as a:
             379          (A) step-parent;
             380          (B) sibling by:
             381          (I) half blood;
             382          (II) whole blood; or
             383          (III) adoption;
             384          (C) grandparent;
             385          (D) aunt;
             386          (E) uncle; or
             387          (F) first cousin.
             388          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (8)(a):
             389          (i) Subsection (1)(a) applies if the court requests a preplacement adoptive evaluation;
             390      and
             391          (ii) Subsection (5)(a) applies if the court requests a postplacement adoptive evaluation.
             392          (9) Notwithstanding Subsection (5)(a)(i), the court may appoint any person that the
             393      court determines is qualified to conduct a postplacement adoptive evaluation if an adoptive
             394      parent establishes that an adoption service provider is not reasonably available to conduct a
             395      postplacement adoptive evaluation.
             396          Section 6. Section 78-30-4.12 is amended to read:
             397           78-30-4.12. Rights and responsibilities of parties in adoption proceedings.
             398          (1) The Legislature finds that the rights and interests of all parties affected by an
             399      adoption proceeding must be considered and balanced in determining what constitutional


             400      protections and processes are necessary and appropriate.
             401          (2) The Legislature finds that:
             402          (a) the state has a compelling interest in providing stable and permanent homes for
             403      adoptive children in a prompt manner, in preventing the disruption of adoptive placements, and
             404      in holding parents accountable for meeting the needs of children;
             405          (b) an unmarried mother, faced with the responsibility of making crucial decisions
             406      about the future of a newborn child, is entitled to privacy, and has the right to make timely and
             407      appropriate decisions regarding her future and the future of the child, and is entitled to
             408      assurance regarding the permanence of an adoptive placement;
             409          (c) adoptive children have a right to permanence and stability in adoptive placements;
             410          (d) adoptive parents have a constitutionally protected liberty and privacy interest in
             411      retaining custody of an adopted child; and
             412          (e) an unmarried biological father has an inchoate interest that acquires constitutional
             413      protection only when he demonstrates a timely and full commitment to the responsibilities of
             414      parenthood, both during pregnancy and upon the child's birth. The state has a compelling
             415      interest in requiring unmarried biological fathers to demonstrate that commitment by providing
             416      appropriate medical care and financial support and by establishing legal paternity, in
             417      accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
             418          (3) (a) In enacting [Sections 78-30-4.11 ] Subsection 78-30-1.1 (5) and Sections
             419      78-30-4.12 through 78-30-4.21 , the Legislature prescribes the conditions for determining
             420      whether an unmarried biological father's action is sufficiently prompt and substantial to require
             421      constitutional protection.
             422          (b) If an unmarried biological father fails to grasp the opportunities to establish a
             423      relationship with his child that are available to him, his biological parental interest may be lost
             424      entirely, or greatly diminished in constitutional significance by his failure to timely exercise it,
             425      or by his failure to strictly comply with the available legal steps to substantiate it.
             426          (c) A certain degree of finality is necessary in order to facilitate the state's compelling
             427      interest. The Legislature finds that the interests of the state, the mother, the child, and the
             428      adoptive parents described in this section outweigh the interest of an unmarried biological
             429      father who does not timely grasp the opportunity to establish and demonstrate a relationship
             430      with his child in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.


             431          (d) An unmarried biological father has the primary responsibility to protect his rights.
             432          (e) An unmarried biological father is presumed to know that the child may be adopted
             433      without his consent unless he strictly complies with the provisions of this chapter, manifests a
             434      prompt and full commitment to his parental responsibilities, and establishes paternity.
             435          (4) The Legislature finds that an unmarried mother has a right of privacy with regard to
             436      her pregnancy and adoption plan, and therefore has no legal obligation to disclose the identity
             437      of an unmarried biological father prior to or during an adoption proceeding, and has no
             438      obligation to volunteer information to the court with respect to the father.
             439          Section 7. Section 78-30-4.13 is amended to read:
             440           78-30-4.13. Notice of adoption proceedings.
             441          (1) (a) An unmarried[,] biological father, by virtue of the fact that he has engaged in a
             442      sexual relationship with a woman[,]:
             443          (i) is considered to be on notice that a pregnancy and an adoption proceeding regarding
             444      [that] the child may occur[,]; and
             445          (ii) has a duty to protect his own rights and interests. [He is therefore]
             446          (b) An unmarried biological father is entitled to actual notice of a birth or an adoption
             447      proceeding with regard to [that] his child only as provided in this section.
             448          (2) Notice of an adoption proceeding shall be served on each of the following persons:
             449          (a) any person or agency whose consent or relinquishment is required under Section
             450      78-30-4.14 , unless that right has been terminated by:
             451          (i) waiver[,];
             452          (ii) relinquishment[,];
             453          (iii) consent[,]; or
             454          (iv) judicial action;
             455          (b) any person who has initiated a paternity proceeding and filed notice of that action
             456      with the state registrar of vital statistics within the Department of Health, in accordance with
             457      Subsection (3);
             458          (c) any legally appointed custodian or guardian of the adoptee;
             459          (d) the petitioner's spouse, if any, only if [he] the petitioner's spouse has not joined in
             460      the petition;
             461          (e) the adoptee's spouse, if any;


             462          (f) any person who, prior to the time the mother executes her consent for adoption or
             463      relinquishes the child [to a licensed child-placing agency] for adoption, is recorded on the birth
             464      certificate as the child's father, with the knowledge and consent of the mother;
             465          (g) any person who is:
             466          (i) openly living in the same household with the child at the time the consent is
             467      executed or relinquishment made[,]; and [who is]
             468          (ii) holding himself out to be the child's father; and
             469          (h) any person who is married to the child's mother at the time she executes her consent
             470      to the adoption or relinquishes the child for adoption.
             471          (3) (a) In order to preserve any right to notice and consent, an unmarried, biological
             472      father may, consistent with Subsection (3)(d):
             473          (i) initiate proceedings to establish paternity under Title 78, Chapter 45a, Uniform Act
             474      on Paternity[,]; and
             475          (ii) file a notice of the initiation of [those] the proceedings described in Subsection
             476      (3)(a)(i) with the state registrar of vital statistics within the Department of Health [prior to the
             477      mother's execution of consent or her relinquishment to an agency. That action and notice may
             478      also be filed prior to the child's birth].
             479          (b) If the unmarried, biological father does not know the county in which the birth
             480      mother resides, he may initiate his action in any county, subject to a change in trial pursuant to
             481      Section 78-13-7 .
             482          (c) The Department of Health shall provide forms for the purpose of filing the notice
             483      described in Subsection (3)(a)(ii), and make those forms available in the office of the county
             484      health department in each county.
             485          (d) The action and notice described in Subsection (3)(a):
             486          (i) may be filed before or after the child's birth; and
             487          (ii) shall be filed prior to the mother's:
             488          (A) execution of consent to adoption of the child; or
             489          (B) relinquishment of the child for adoption.
             490          (4) Notice provided in accordance with this section need not disclose the name of the
             491      mother of the child who is the subject of an adoption proceeding.
             492          (5) The notice required by this section:


             493          (a) may be served immediately after relinquishment or execution of consent[, but];
             494          (b) shall be served at least 30 days prior to the final dispositional hearing[. The
             495      notice]; and
             496          (c) shall specifically state that the person served must respond to the petition within 30
             497      days of service if he intends to intervene in or contest the adoption.
             498          (6) (a) Any person who has been served with notice of an adoption proceeding and who
             499      wishes to contest the adoption shall file a motion in the adoption proceeding:
             500          (i) within 30 days after [service. The motion] the day on which the person was served
             501      with notice of the adoption proceeding;
             502          (ii) that shall set forth specific relief sought; and
             503          (iii) that shall be accompanied by a memorandum specifying the factual and legal
             504      grounds upon which the motion is based.
             505          (b) Any person who fails to file a motion for relief within 30 days after [service of
             506      notice] the day on which the person was served with notice of the adoption proceeding:
             507          (i) waives any right to further notice in connection with the adoption[,];
             508          (ii) forfeits all rights in relation to the adoptee[,]; and
             509          (iii) is barred from thereafter bringing or maintaining any action to assert any interest in
             510      the adoptee.
             511          (7) Service of notice under this section shall be made as follows:
             512          (a) (i) With regard to a person whose consent is necessary under Section 78-30-4.14 ,
             513      service shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.
             514          (ii) If service of a person described in Subsection (7)(a)(i) is by publication, the court
             515      shall designate the content of the notice regarding the identity of the parties.
             516          (iii) The notice described in this Subsection (7)(a) may not include the name of [the
             517      person or persons] a person seeking to adopt the adoptee.
             518          (b) [As] (i) Except as provided in Subsection (7)(b)(ii) to any other person for whom
             519      notice is required under this section, service by certified mail, return receipt requested, is
             520      sufficient.
             521          (ii) If [that] the service described in Subsection (7)(b)(i) cannot be completed after two
             522      attempts, the court may issue an order providing for service by publication, posting, or by any
             523      other manner of service.


             524          (c) Notice to a person who has initiated a paternity proceeding and filed notice of that
             525      action with the state registrar of vital statistics in the Department of Health in accordance with
             526      the requirements of Subsection (3), shall be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, at
             527      the last address filed with the registrar.
             528          (8) The notice required by this section may be waived in writing by the person entitled
             529      to receive notice.
             530          (9) Proof of service of notice on all persons for whom notice is required by this section
             531      shall be filed with the court before the final dispositional hearing on the adoption.
             532          (10) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the notice of an adoption
             533      proceeding nor any process in that proceeding is required to contain the name of the person or
             534      persons seeking to adopt the adoptee.
             535          (11) Except as to those persons whose consent to an adoption is required under Section
             536      78-30-4.14 , the sole purpose of notice under this section is to enable the person served to:
             537          (a) intervene in the adoption; and
             538          (b) present evidence to the court relevant to the best interest of the child.
             539          Section 8. Section 78-30-4.14 is amended to read:
             540           78-30-4.14. Necessary consent to adoption or relinquishment for adoption.
             541          (1) Either relinquishment of a child for adoption [to a licensed child-placing agency] or
             542      consent to adoption of a child is required from:
             543          (a) the adoptee, if he is more than 12 years of age, unless he does not have the mental
             544      capacity to consent;
             545          (b) both parents or the surviving parent of an adoptee who was conceived or born
             546      within a marriage, unless the adoptee is 18 years of age or older;
             547          (c) the mother of an adoptee born outside of marriage;
             548          (d) any biological parent who has been adjudicated to be the child's biological father by
             549      a court of competent jurisdiction prior to the mother's execution of consent to adoption or her
             550      relinquishment [to an agency] of the child for adoption;
             551          (e) any biological parent who has executed and filed a voluntary declaration of
             552      paternity with the state registrar of vital statistics within the Department of Health in
             553      accordance with Title 78, Chapter 45e, Voluntary Declaration of Paternity Act, prior to the
             554      mother's execution of consent to adoption or her relinquishment [to an agency] of the child for


             555      adoption, which voluntary declaration of paternity is considered filed when entered into a
             556      database that can be accessed by the Department of Health;
             557          (f) an unmarried[,] biological father of an adoptee, [as defined in Section 78-30-4.11 ,]
             558      only if the requirements and conditions of Subsection (2)(a) or (b) have been proven; and
             559          (g) the [licensed child-placing] person or agency to whom an adoptee has been
             560      relinquished and that is placing the child for adoption.
             561          (2) In accordance with Subsection (1), the consent of an unmarried, biological father is
             562      necessary only if the father has strictly complied with the requirements of this section.
             563          (a) (i) With regard to a child who is placed with adoptive parents more than six months
             564      after birth, an unmarried[,] biological father shall have developed a substantial relationship
             565      with the child, taken some measure of responsibility for the child and the child's future, and
             566      demonstrated a full commitment to the responsibilities of parenthood by financial support of
             567      the child, of a fair and reasonable sum and in accordance with the father's ability, when not
             568      prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having lawful custody of the child,
             569      and either:
             570          (A) visiting the child at least monthly when physically and financially able to do so,
             571      and when not prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having lawful
             572      custody of the child; or
             573          (B) regular communication with the child or with the person or agency having the care
             574      or custody of the child, when physically and financially unable to visit the child, and when not
             575      prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having lawful custody of the child.
             576          (ii) The subjective intent of an unmarried[,] biological father, whether expressed or
             577      otherwise, unsupported by evidence of acts specified in this Subsection (2) shall not preclude a
             578      determination that the father failed to meet the requirements of Subsection (2)(a)(i).
             579          (iii) An unmarried[,] biological father who openly lived with the child for a period of
             580      six months within the one-year period after the birth of the child and immediately preceding
             581      placement of the child with adoptive parents, and openly held himself out to be the father of the
             582      child during that period, shall be considered to have developed a substantial relationship with
             583      the child and to have otherwise met the requirements of Subsection (2)(a)(i).
             584          (b) With regard to a child who is under six months of age at the time he is placed with
             585      adoptive parents, an unmarried[,] biological father shall have manifested a full commitment to


             586      his parental responsibilities by performing all of the acts described in this Subsection (2) prior
             587      to the time the mother executes her consent for adoption or relinquishes the child [to a licensed
             588      child-placing agency] for adoption. The father shall:
             589          (i) initiate proceedings to establish paternity under Title 78, Chapter 45a, Uniform Act
             590      on Paternity, and file with that court a sworn affidavit stating that he is fully able and willing to
             591      have full custody of the child, setting forth his plans for care of the child, and agreeing to a
             592      court order of child support and the payment of expenses incurred in connection with the
             593      mother's pregnancy and the child's birth;
             594          (ii) file notice of the commencement of paternity proceedings with the state registrar of
             595      vital statistics within the Department of Health, in a confidential registry established by the
             596      department for that purpose, which notice is considered filed when the notice is entered in the
             597      registry of notices from unmarried biological fathers; and
             598          (iii) if he had actual knowledge of the pregnancy, paid a fair and reasonable amount of
             599      the expenses incurred in connection with the mother's pregnancy and the child's birth, in
             600      accordance with his means, and when not prevented from doing so by the person or authorized
             601      agency having lawful custody of the child.
             602          (3) An unmarried[,] biological father whose consent is required under Subsection (1) or
             603      (2) may nevertheless lose his right to consent if the court determines, in accordance with the
             604      requirements and procedures of Title 78, Chapter 3a, Part 4, Termination of Parental Rights
             605      Act, that his rights should be terminated, based on the petition of any interested party.
             606          (4) If there is no showing that an unmarried[,] biological father has consented to or
             607      waived his rights regarding a proposed adoption, the petitioner shall file with the court a
             608      certificate from the state registrar of vital statistics within the Department of Health, stating
             609      that a diligent search has been made of the registry of notices from unmarried biological fathers
             610      described in Subsection (2)(b)(ii), and that no filing has been found pertaining to the father of
             611      the child in question, or if a filing is found, stating the name of the putative father and the time
             612      and date of filing. That certificate shall be filed with the court prior to entrance of a final
             613      decree of adoption.
             614          (5) An unmarried[,] biological father who does not fully and strictly comply with each
             615      of the conditions provided in this section, is [deemed] considered to have waived and
             616      surrendered any right in relation to the child, including the right to notice of any judicial


             617      proceeding in connection with the adoption of the child, and his consent to the adoption of the
             618      child is not required.
             619          Section 9. Section 78-30-4.16 is amended to read:
             620           78-30-4.16. Contested adoptions -- Rights of parties -- Determination of custody.
             621          (1) If a person whose consent for an adoption is required pursuant to Subsection
             622      78-30-4.14 (1)(b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) refused to consent, the court shall determine whether
             623      proper grounds exist for the termination of that person's rights pursuant to the provisions of this
             624      chapter or Title 78, Chapter 3a, Part 4, Termination of Parental Rights Act.
             625          (2) (a) If there are proper grounds to terminate the person's parental rights, the court
             626      shall order that the person's rights be terminated.
             627          (b) If there are not proper grounds to terminate the person's parental rights, the court
             628      shall:
             629          [(a)] (i) dismiss the adoption petition; [and]
             630          [(b)] (ii) conduct an evidentiary hearing to determine who should have custody of the
             631      child; and
             632          (iii) award custody of the child in accordance with the child's best interest.
             633          (3) Evidence considered at the custody hearing may include:
             634          (a) evidence of psychological or emotional bonds that the child has formed with a third
             635      person, including the prospective adoptive parent[,]; and
             636          (b) any detriment that a change in custody may cause the child.
             637          (4) The fact that a person relinquished a child [to a licensed child-placing agency] for
             638      adoption or consented to the adoption may not be considered as evidence that it is not in the
             639      child's best interest for custody to be awarded to such person or that:
             640          (a) the person is unfit or incompetent to be a parent;
             641          (b) the person has neglected or abandoned the child; or
             642          (c) the person is not interested in having custody of the child.
             643          (5) Any custody order entered pursuant to this section may also:
             644          (a) include provisions for:
             645          (i) parent-time by a biological parent; or
             646          (ii) visitation by an interested third party[,]; and
             647          (b) provide for the financial support of the child.


             648          (6) (a) If a person or entity whose consent is required for an adoption under Subsection
             649      78-30-4.14 (1)(a) or (g) refuses to consent, the court shall proceed with an evidentiary hearing
             650      and award custody as set forth in Subsection (2).
             651          (b) The court may also finalize the adoption if doing so is in the best interest of the
             652      child.
             653          (7) An adoption may not be contested after the final decree of adoption is entered.
             654          Section 10. Section 78-30-4.21 is amended to read:
             655           78-30-4.21. Power of a minor to consent or relinquish.
             656          (1) A minor parent has the power to:
             657          (a) consent to the adoption of [his or her] the minor's child; and [has the power to]
             658          (b) relinquish [his or her] the minor's control or custody of the child [to a licensed
             659      child-placing agency. That] for adoption.
             660          (2) The consent or relinquishment described in Subsection (1) is valid and has the same
             661      force and effect as a consent or relinquishment executed by an adult parent.
             662          (3) A minor parent, having executed a consent or relinquishment, cannot revoke that
             663      consent upon reaching the age of majority or otherwise becoming emancipated.
             664          Section 11. Repealer.
             665          This bill repeals:
             666          Section 78-30-4.11, Definition.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 2-1-05 11:51 AM


Based on a limited legal review, this legislation has not been determined to have a high
probability of being held unconstitutional.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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